England vs India 2018: Predicted result of the T20I, ODI and Test series

2. ODI series

No. of matches to be played: 3

ODI Rankings – England: 1; India: 2

This series will be the race for the number 1 position in the ODI rankings. England and India are both forces to reckon with in this format as the visiting side would also be keen to figure out their combinations for the World Cup here next year. The Men in Blue also have a lid over the rampant England side as they had beaten them back at home last time the teams met. But the hosts are no pushovers now and expect a serious contest across all the three matches.

Dissecting the squads

England: If the ongoing ODI series between England and Australia is any indication of what is to come, then the Indian bowlers are in serious danger. The batsmen of the home side are in great form and Ben Stokes is likely to get fit for the series. His inclusion in the middle-order will make it even more difficult for Team India with Morgan in amazing nick beside Buttler as the finisher is in the form of his life.

The bowling attack will most probably miss the charm of Chris Woakes which makes them a little vulnerable on that front. The Indians are known to be brilliant players of spin-bowling which will neutralise the threat of Rashid and Moeen. England should be careful about not leaking the runs at crucial junctures in the game during the ODI series.

Probable England squad: Eoin Morgan (C), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, David Willey, Mark Wood, Jake Ball, Ben Stokes, Craig Overton

India: India have not played a One-Day International for quite a while now which doesn’t mean that they are underprepared. They are an even better team when compared to the T20Is and is capable of threatening England in their own den. The squad is similar to the T20 Internationals but they have a big issue of someone batting well at number 4 and either Suresh Raina or KL Rahul will fight for the lone place in the line-up.

They will need a genuine sixth bowler as a back-up in limited-overs cricket as the five-bowler theory has not worked at times. There is no doubt that the Men in Blue will be tested to the hilt which will also determine their chances in the World Cup next year. This team is a tough nut to crack and will fight tooth and nail.

India squad: Virat Kohli (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Siddarth Kaul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suresh Raina, Umesh Yadav

Series Prediction: England should be able to win the three-match series by 2-1 but the road to the victory will not be easy for them.